U.S. patent application number 10/473002 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for apparatus for controlling outdoor unit's louver blades and its method.
Invention is credited to Bae, Young-Ju, Cha, Kang-Wook, Heo, Kyeong-Wook, Hong, Young-Ho, Kang, Seong-Min, Kim, In-Gyu, Kim, Kyeong-Ho, Kim, Tae-geun, Kim, Yang-Ho, Koo, Ja-Hyung, Lee, Dong-Hyuk, Park, Byung-Il, Sung, Si-Kyong.
Application Number | 20040231347 10/473002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33425438 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040231347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim, In-Gyu ; et
al. |
November 25, 2004 |
Apparatus for controlling outdoor unit's louver blades and its
method
Abstract
The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit which can improve
efficiency of the outdoor unit according to a state of the louver
blades and peripheral conditions. The apparatus for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit includes: a louver blade member
including louver blades having a pair of connecting protrusions at
their both ends, and first to fourth levers for rotatably
connecting the connecting protrusions of the louver blades formed
in the same positions; a driving member for opening/closing the
louver blades by moving the first to fourth levers in the vertical
direction to the louver blades by a predetermined distance; and a
microcomputer for controlling the driving member, and
opening/closing the louver blades by generating a control
command.
Inventors: |
Kim, In-Gyu;
(Kyungangnam-Do, KR) ; Bae, Young-Ju;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Koo, Ja-Hyung;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Park, Byung-Il;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Kim, Kyeong-Ho;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Kim, Yang-Ho;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Hong, Young-Ho;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Heo, Kyeong-Wook;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Cha, Kang-Wook;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Sung, Si-Kyong;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Lee, Dong-Hyuk;
(Kyungsangnam-Do, KR) ; Kang, Seong-Min; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim, Tae-geun; (Changwon-Shi Kyungsangnam-Do,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fleshner & Kim
PO Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
33425438 |
Appl. No.: |
10/473002 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
June 9, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR03/01124 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/183 ;
62/176.6; 62/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/06 20130101; F24F
1/52 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 1/46 20130101; F24F 1/62
20130101; F24F 2110/20 20180101; F24F 13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/183 ;
062/176.6; 062/428 |
International
Class: |
F25D 017/04; F25B
039/04; F25B 049/00; F25D 017/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 30, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-27779 |
Apr 30, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-27781 |
Apr 30, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-27782 |
May 15, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-30991 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising: a louver blade member including louver blades having a
pair of connecting protrusions at their both ends, and first to
fourth levers for rotatably connecting the connecting protrusions
of the louver blades formed in the same positions; a driving member
for opening/closing the louver blades by moving the first to fourth
levers in the vertical direction to the louver blades by a
predetermined distance; and a microcomputer for controlling the
driving member, and opening/closing the louver blades by generating
a control command.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first to fourth levers
comprise a plurality of openings so that the connecting protrusions
of the louver blades can pass through the openings, and the louver
blade member further comprises rotation links for connecting the
connecting protrusions of the identical louver blades passing
through the openings of the first to fourth levers.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the driving member is
connected to at least one of the rotation links, for moving the two
levers connected to one end of the louver blade in different
directions by a predetermined distance.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the driving member comprises a
driving source for performing a rectilinear motion in parallel to
the first to fourth levers, and a connector connected to one
rotation link, for transforming the rectilinear motion of the
driving source into a rotary motion of the rotation link.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a first sensor for
generating a first contact point signal and transmitting the signal
to the microcomputer, when the louver blades are closed.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the microcomputer receives the
first contact point signal from the first sensor, calculates a
period of the signal, compares the period with a non-use reference
time of the louver blades, generates an idling control command of
the louver blades, and transmits the command to the driving
member.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first sensor is positioned
to contact with one side of at least one of the first to fourth
levers.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein one of the rotation links
comprises a long protrusion unit, and the first sensor is
positioned to contact with the protrusion unit.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second sensor for
generating a second contact point signal and transmitting the
signal to the microcomputer, when the louver blades are opened.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first sensor is
positioned to contact with one side of at least one of the first to
fourth levers, and the second sensor is positioned to contact with
the other side of the lever.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein one of the rotation links
comprises a long protrusion unit, and the first and second sensors
are positioned to contact with the protrusion unit by the
open/close operation of the louver blades.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the microcomputer is
connected to an indoor unit, and decides an open/close state of the
louver blades when receiving an operation signal from the indoor
unit.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the microcomputer decides
the open/close state of the louver blades according to reception of
the first contact point signal.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the microcomputer operates
the driving member to open the louver blades according to the
open/close state of the louver blades.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the microcomputer confirms
whether the second contact point signal is inputted within a
standard re-contact point time after turning off the first sensor,
and decides whether the louver blades are normally opened.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the microcomputer notifies
the operation state of the louver blades to the indoor unit
according to the decision result.
17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second sensors
are limit switches.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the microcomputer is
connected to an indoor unit, for generating a close control command
of the louver blades, and transmitting the command to the driving
member according to a power state of the indoor unit.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a current
transformer controlled by the microcomputer, for sensing generation
of an overload current in the driving member, and generating an
overload current generation signal, wherein the microcomputer
generates an open control command of the louver blades and
transmits the command to the driving member according to reception
of the overload current generation signal from the current
transformer, when receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the microcomputer completely
opens the louver blades by the driving member, generates an
overload current generation message, transmits the message to the
indoor unit, and normally operates the outdoor unit.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the driving member further
comprises a sensor relating to the operation of the louver blades,
and the microcomputer controls the sensor, generates an open
control command of the louver blades, and transmits the command to
the driving member according to a mis-operation state of the
sensor, when receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the microcomputer completely
opens the louver blades by the driving member, generates a
mis-operation message of the sensor, transmits the message to the
indoor unit, and normally operates the outdoor unit.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a humidity sensor
for sensing current external humidity of the outdoor unit.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the microcomputer stores
reference humidity, compares the current humidity from the humidity
sensor with the stored reference humidity, controls the driving
member according to the comparison result, opens the louver blades
within a critical angle range, and the closes the louver
blades.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the microcomputer opens the
louver blades at the critical angle when the current humidity is
equal to or lower than the reference humidity, and opens the louver
blades at an angle smaller than the critical angle when the current
humidity is higher than the reference humidity.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the reference humidity is
previously set according to a season.
27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the microcomputer compares
the current humidity with the reference humidity after receiving an
operation signal from an indoor unit, and completely closes the
louver blades before receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
28. An apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising: a driving member for opening/closing a plurality of
louver blades; a first sensor for generating a first contact point
signal when the louver blades are closed; and a microcomputer for
controlling the driving member, and deciding an open/close state of
the louver blades according to reception of the first contact point
signal from the first sensor.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the microcomputer receives
the first contact point signal from the first sensor, calculates a
period of the signal, compares the period with a non-use reference
time of the louver blades, generates an idling control command of
the louver blades, and transmits the command to the driving
member.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a second sensor
for generating a second contact point signal, when the louver
blades are opened.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the microcomputer receives
the first contact point signal and/or the second contact point
signal from the first and/or second sensors, and decides the
open/close state of the louver blades.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the microcomputer is
connected to an indoor unit, and decides the open/close state of
the louver blades when receiving an operation signal from the
indoor unit.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the microcomputer operates
the driving member to open the louver blades according to the
open/close state of the louver blades.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the microcomputer confirms
whether the second contact point signal is inputted within a
standard re-contact point time after turning off the first sensor,
and decides whether the louver blades are normally opened.
35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the microcomputer notifies
the operation state of the louver blades to the indoor unit
according to the decision result.
36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the first and second sensors
are limit switches.
37. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a humidity sensor
for sensing current external humidity of the outdoor unit.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the microcomputer stores
reference humidity, compares the current humidity from the humidity
sensor with the stored reference humidity, controls the driving
member according to the comparison result, opens the louver blades
within a critical angle range, and closes the louver blades.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the microcomputer opens the
louver blades at the critical angle when the current humidity is
equal to or lower than the reference humidity, and opens the louver
blades at an angle smaller than the critical angle when the current
humidity is higher than the reference humidity.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the reference humidity is
previously set according to a season.
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the microcomputer compares
the current humidity with the reference humidity after receiving an
operation signal from an indoor unit, and completely closes the
louver blades before receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
42. An apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising: a louver blade member including a plurality of louver
blades; a driving member for opening/closing the louver blades by
operating the louver blade member; first and second sensors for
respectively generating a first contact point signal when the
louver blades are closed, and a second contact point sensor when
the louver blades are opened; and a microcomputer for controlling
the driving member, and deciding an open/close state of the louver
blades by receiving the first contact point signal and/or the
second contact point signal from the first and/or second
sensors.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the microcomputer is
connected to an indoor unit, and decides the open/close state of
the louver blades when receiving an operation signal from the
indoor unit.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the microcomputer decides
the open/close state of the louver blades according to reception of
the first contact point signal.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the microcomputer operates
the driving member to open the louver blades according to the
open/close state of the louver blades.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the microcomputer confirms
whether the second contact point signal is inputted within a
standard re-contact point time after turning off the first sensor,
and decides whether the louver blades are normally opened.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the microcomputer notifies
the operation state of the louver blades to the indoor unit
according to the decision result.
48. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first and second sensors
are limit switches.
49. An apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising: a driving member for opening/closing louver blades of
the outdoor unit; and a microcomputer for controlling the driving
member, generating a close operation command of louver blades, and
transmitting the operation command to the driving member according
to a power state of an indoor unit.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising a current
transformer controlled by the microcomputer, for sensing generation
of an overload current in the driving member, and generating an
overload current generation signal, wherein the microcomputer
generates an open operation command of the louver blades and
transmits the operation command to the driving member according to
reception of the overload current generation signal from the
current transformer, when receiving the operation signal from the
indoor unit.
51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the microcomputer completely
opens the louver blades by the driving member, generates an
overload current generation message, transmits the message to the
indoor unit, and normally operates the outdoor unit.
52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the driving member further
comprises a sensor relating to the operation of the louver blades,
and the microcomputer controls the sensor, generates an open
operation command of the louver blades, and transmits the operation
command to the driving member according to a mis-operation state of
the sensor, when receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the microcomputer completely
opens the louver blades by the driving member, generates a
mis-operation message of the sensor, transmits the message to the
indoor unit, and normally operates the outdoor unit.
54. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the operation command
completely opens the louver blades.
55. An apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising: a driving member for opening/closing the louver blades
of the outdoor unit within a critical angle range; a humidity
sensor for sensing current external humidity of the outdoor unit;
and a microcomputer for storing reference humidity, comparing the
current humidity from the humidity sensor with the stored reference
humidity, controlling the driving member according to the
comparison result, opening the louver blades within the critical
angle range, and closing the louver blades.
56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the microcomputer opens the
louver blades at the critical angle when the current humidity is
equal to or lower than the reference humidity, and opens the louver
blades at an angle smaller than the critical angle when the current
humidity is higher than the reference humidity.
57. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the reference humidity is
previously set according to a season.
58. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the microcomputer compares
the current humidity with the reference humidity after receiving an
operation signal from an indoor unit, and completely closes the
louver blades before receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
59. In an apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit comprising a plurality of louver blades, and first and second
limit switches for generating a first contact point signal when the
louver blades are closed, and a second contact point signal when
the louver blades are opened, a method for controlling the louver
blades of the outdoor unit, comprising the steps of: receiving the
first contact point signal; deciding an open/close state of the
louver blades according to reception of the first contact point
signal; opening the louver blades according to the decision result;
and confirming whether the second contact point signal is inputted
within a standard re-contact point time after turning off the first
limit switch, and deciding whether the louver blades are normally
opened.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein the step for deciding the
open/close state is performed after an operation signal is inputted
from an indoor unit.
61. The method of claim 60, further comprising a step for
transmitting an operation state to the indoor unit after deciding
whether the louver blades are normally opened.
62. A method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising: a first step for deciding a power state of an indoor
unit; a second step for closing the louver blades of the outdoor
unit according to the decision result of the power state; a third
step for deciding an overload current state of a driving member,
when an operation signal is inputted from the indoor unit; a fourth
step for completely opening the louver blades according to the
decision result of the overload current state; a fifth step for
deciding a mis-operation state of a sensor relating to the
operation of the louver blades, when the operation signal is
inputted from the indoor unit or the overload current is not
generated in the driving member; and a sixth step for completely
opening the louver blades according to the decision result of the
mis-operation state.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein the second step comprises a
step for completely closing the louver blades when the indoor unit
is off.
64. The method of claim 63, further comprising the steps of:
transmitting an overload current generation message of the driving
member to the indoor unit; and normally operating the outdoor unit
after the fourth step.
65. The method of claim 64, further comprising the steps of:
transmitting a message relating to a mis-operation of the sensor to
the indoor unit; and normally operating the outdoor unit after the
sixth step.
66. A method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising the steps of: calculating a close period of the louver
blades; comparing the close period with a non-use reference time;
and idling the louver blades according to the comparison
result.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein the step for calculating the
close period comprises the steps of: storing a close time of the
louver blades; and calculating the close period of the louver
blades by a difference between the current time and the stored
close time.
68. The method of claim 67, further comprising a step for updating
and storing the close time when the louver blades are opened and
closed again.
69. A method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit,
comprising the steps of: sensing current external humidity of the
outdoor unit; comparing the current humidity with reference
humidity; and pening the louver blades within a critical angle
range and closing the louver blades according to the comparison
result.
70. The method of claim 69, wherein the control step opens the
louver blades at the critical angle when the current humidity is
equal to or lower than the reference humidity, and opens the louver
blades at an angle smaller than the critical angle when the current
humidity is higher than the reference humidity.
71. The method of claim 69, further comprising a step for resetting
the reference humidity according to a season.
72. The method of claim 69, which performs the step for comparing
the current humidity with the reference humidity after an the
operation signal is inputted from an indoor unit.
73. The method of claim 72, further comprising a step for
completely closing the louver blades before the operation signal is
inputted from the indoor unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit, and more particularly
to, an apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an
outdoor unit which can improve efficiency of the outdoor unit
according to a state of the louver blades and peripheral
conditions.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] An air conditioner implying a cooler, a heater or both of
them is classified into a window type and a split type. In the case
of the cooler, a split type air conditioner includes an indoor unit
installed indoors for cooling a room, and an outdoor unit connected
to the indoor unit through refrigerant pipe lines and installed
outdoors to contact air, for performing condensation heat exchange
on a refrigerant gas in a condenser by using external air as a
cooling medium, and supplying the condensed refrigerants to an
evaporator of the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe lines.
The indoor unit is composed of the evaporator for performing
cooling heat exchange for evaporating the refrigerants and
absorbing evaporation heat from internal air, and a ventilating fan
for circulating internal air, and the outdoor unit is composed of a
compressor for compressing the refrigerant gas and supplying the
compressed gas to the condenser, the air-cooled condenser for
condensing the refrigerant gas from the compressor, and a cooling
fan for forcibly ventilating external air to the air-cooled
condenser to cool and condense the refrigerant gas. The compressor,
the air-cooled condenser and the cooling fan of the outdoor unit
are installed in an outdoor unit casing composing the outer
appearance. The conventional hexahedral outdoor unit casing has an
air suction unit for sucking air to the air-cooled condenser at its
three sides, and an air discharge unit for externally discharging
air absorbing condensation heat from the refrigerant gas by the
heat exchange in the air-cooled condenser on its top surface.
[0003] However, the conventional outdoor unit for the air
conditioner is restricted in installation spaces due to high
density and strict environment regulations of cities, and increases
civil applications due to noise and heat. Especially, a common
residential area such as large-scaled apartment buildings regulates
the outdoor units to be installed in indoor verandas to improve the
appearance and prevent noise.
[0004] In order to solve the foregoing problems, Japanese Laid-Open
Patent Publication 6-101873 suggests an air conditioner mounted
building where an indoor unit of an air conditioner is installed
indoors or adjacent to a room intended to be air-conditioned, and
an outdoor unit of the air conditioner is installed outdoors,
wherein an opening is formed on the outer wall or roof, a louver is
installed in the opening, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner
is positioned in the louver, and suction/discharge of the indoor
unit is performed through a gap between louver plates.
[0005] In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 3-213928
discloses a wall built-in type outdoor unit for an air conditioner
including an outdoor unit main body for the air conditioner which
is built in the wall and which includes a frame having the same
size and thickness as the wall, a suction hole for heat exchange
air installed on the same surface as the outdoor unit main body,
and a discharge hole for heat exchanged air.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional
louver unit. Referring to FIG. 1, the louver unit 1 is divided into
a suction area 7a and a discharge area 7b on a rectangular space
inner wall formed on an outer wall 2 of a residential and/or
commercial building, and a plurality of louver blades 8 which are
externally protruded with the same length are installed in each
area.
[0007] The suction area 7a of the louver unit 1 contacts with a
suction unit 11 a of the outdoor unit, and the discharge area 7b of
the louver unit 1 contacts with a discharge unit 11b of the outdoor
unit. That is, air is sucked through gaps between the louver blades
8 of the suction area 7a, supplied to the suction unit 11a of the
outdoor unit, heat exchanged therein, discharged from the discharge
unit 11b of the outdoor unit, and discharged through gaps between
the louver blades 8 of the discharge area 7b of the louver unit
1.
[0008] However, an open/close operation of the louver blades 8 is
interrupted due to external factors (rain, snow, ice, dust, etc.),
and thus the louver blades 8 may not be normally operated after an
extended period of time.
[0009] In addition, the louver blades which have not been used for
a long term may have problems due to the external factors.
[0010] The conventional outdoor unit does not suggest an apparatus
and method for confirming an open/close state of the louver unit 1.
Therefore, when the louver unit 1 is not normally operated due to
errors, external air is not smoothly sucked through the suction
unit 11a of the outdoor unit, and discharged through the discharge
unit 11b of the outdoor unit. As a result, cooling/heating
performance of the outdoor unit is rapidly reduced, and thus
refrigerants are not efficiently heat exchanged, which has
detrimental effects on performance of the indoor unit.
[0011] Moreover, when an overload current is transmitted to a
driving source for operating the louver blades, the louver blades
are closed or a driving member is out of order due to the overload
current, to interrupt the operation of the outdoor unit.
[0012] In addition, mis-operations of sensors or switches of the
outdoor unit are not sensed. Accordingly, the outdoor unit may not
be normally operated.
[0013] The louver unit of the outdoor unit maintains a constant
open angle of the louver blades to open or close the louver blades.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the louver blades opened by about
45.degree. can intercept rain drops in a rainy day (100% of
humidity). However, when external humidity is low, for example in a
sunny day, such an angle increases a fan resistance, to interrupt
suction/discharge of air.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can decide a long term non-use state of the louver
blades which may interrupt an open/close operation of the louver
blades.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can idle the louver blades at certain intervals of time
in order to prevent errors of the louver blades which have not been
used for a long term due to external factors.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can confirm an open/close state of the louver
blades.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can confirm whether the louver blades are normally
opened.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can notify an operation state of the louver blades to an
indoor unit in order to display the operation state for the
user.
[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can normally operate the outdoor unit even when an
overload current is applied to a driving source for operating the
louver blades.
[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can normally operate the outdoor unit by sensing a
mis-operation of sensors or switches of the outdoor unit relating
to the operation of the louver blades.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can protect the outdoor unit by instructing an operation
suitable for the louver blades according to a power state of an
indoor unit.
[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can control an open angle of the louver blades according
to external humidity of the outdoor unit.
[0023] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor
unit which can optimize an open angle of the louver blades in order
to minimize inflow of alien substances such as rain drops and snow
and decrease a fan resistance.
[0024] In order to achieve the above-described objects of the
invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling louver
blades of an outdoor unit, including: a louver blade member
including louver blades having a pair of connecting protrusions at
their both ends, and first to fourth levers for rotatably
connecting the connecting protrusions of the louver blades formed
in the same positions; a driving member for opening/closing the
louver blades by moving the first to fourth levers in the vertical
direction to the louver blades by a predetermined distance; and a
microcomputer for controlling the driving member, and
opening/closing the louver blades by generating a control
command.
[0025] Here, the first to fourth levers include a plurality of
openings so that the connecting protrusions of the louver blades
can pass through the openings, and the louver blade member further
includes rotation links for connecting the connecting protrusions
of the identical louver blades passing through the openings of the
first to fourth levers.
[0026] Preferably, the driving member is connected to at least one
of the rotation links, for moving the two levers connected to one
end of the louver blade in different directions by a predetermined
distance.
[0027] The driving member includes a driving source for performing
a rectilinear motion in parallel to the first to fourth levers, and
a connector connected to one rotation link, for transforming the
rectilinear motion of the driving source into a rotary motion of
the rotation link.
[0028] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a first sensor
for generating a first contact point signal and transmitting the
signal to the microcomputer, when the louver blades are closed.
[0029] The microcomputer receives the first contact point signal
from the first sensor, calculates a period of the signal, compares
the period with a non-use reference time of the louver blades,
generates an idling control command of the louver blades, and
transmits the command to the driving member.
[0030] Preferably, the first sensor is positioned to contact with
one side of at least one of the first to fourth levers.
[0031] Preferably, one of the rotation links includes a long
protrusion unit, and the first sensor is positioned to contact with
the protrusion unit.
[0032] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a second sensor
for generating a second contact point signal and transmitting the
signal to the microcomputer, when the louver blades are opened.
[0033] Preferably, the first sensor is positioned to contact with
one side of at least one of the first to fourth levers, and the
second sensor is positioned to contact with the other side of the
lever.
[0034] Preferably, one of the rotation links includes a long
protrusion unit, and the first and second sensors are positioned to
contact with the protrusion unit by the open/close operation of the
louver blades.
[0035] In addition, the microcomputer is connected to an indoor
unit, and decides an open/close state of the louver blades when
receiving an operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0036] The microcomputer decides the open/close state of the louver
blades according to reception of the first contact point
signal.
[0037] Preferably, the microcomputer operates the driving member to
open the louver blades according to the open/close state of the
louver blades.
[0038] The microcomputer confirms whether the second contact point
signal is inputted within a standard re-contact point time after
turning off the first sensor, and decides whether the louver blades
are normally opened.
[0039] Preferably, the microcomputer notifies the operation state
of the louver blades to the indoor unit according to the decision
result.
[0040] Preferably, the first and second sensors are limit
switches.
[0041] Preferably, the microcomputer is connected to the indoor
unit, for generating a close control command of the louver blades,
and transmitting the command to the driving member according to a
power state of the indoor unit.
[0042] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a current
transformer controlled by the microcomputer, for sensing generation
of an overload current in the driving member, and generating an
overload current generation signal, and the microcomputer generates
an open control command of the louver blades and transmits the
command to the driving member according to reception of the
overload current generation signal from the current transformer,
when receiving the operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0043] Preferably, the microcomputer completely opens the louver
blades by the driving member, generates an overload current
generation message, transmits the message to the indoor unit, and
normally operates the outdoor unit.
[0044] Preferably, the driving member further includes a sensor
relating to the operation of the louver blades, and the
microcomputer controls the sensor, generates an open control
command of the louver blades, and transmits the command to the
driving member according to a mis-operation state of the sensor,
when receiving the operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0045] Preferably, the microcomputer completely opens the louver
blades by the driving member, generates a mis-operation message of
the sensor, transmits the message to the indoor unit, and normally
operates the outdoor unit.
[0046] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a humidity sensor
for sensing current external humidity of the outdoor unit.
[0047] Preferably, the microcomputer stores reference humidity,
compares the current humidity from the humidity sensor with the
stored reference humidity, controls the driving member according to
the comparison result, opens the louver blades within a critical
angle range, and closes the louver blades.
[0048] Preferably, the microcomputer opens the louver blades at the
critical angle when the current humidity is equal to or lower than
the reference humidity, and opens the louver blades at an angle
smaller than the critical angle when the current humidity is higher
than the reference humidity.
[0049] Preferably, the reference humidity is previously set
according to a season.
[0050] Preferably, the microcomputer compares the current humidity
with the reference humidity after receiving the operation signal
from the indoor unit, and completely closes the louver blades
before receiving the operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0051] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes: a
driving member for opening/closing a plurality of louver blades; a
first sensor for generating a first contact point signal when the
louver blades are closed; and a microcomputer for controlling the
driving member, and deciding an open/close state of the louver
blades according to reception of the first contact point signal
from the first sensor.
[0052] The microcomputer receives the first contact point signal
from the first sensor, calculates a period of the signal, compares
the period with a non-use reference time of the louver blades,
generates an idling control command of the louver blades, and
transmits the command to the driving member.
[0053] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a second sensor
for generating a second contact point signal, when the louver
blades are opened.
[0054] Preferably, the microcomputer receives the first contact
point signal and/or the second contact point signal from the first
and/or second sensors, and decides the open/close state of the
louver blades.
[0055] In addition, the microcomputer is connected to an indoor
unit, and decides the open/close state of the louver blades when
receiving an operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0056] Preferably, the microcomputer operates the driving member to
open the louver blades according to the open/close state of the
louver blades.
[0057] The microcomputer confirms whether the second contact point
signal is inputted within a standard re-contact point time after
turning off the first sensor, and decides whether the louver blades
are normally opened.
[0058] Preferably, the microcomputer notifies the operation state
of the louver blades to the indoor unit according to the decision
result.
[0059] Preferably, the first and second sensors are limit
switches.
[0060] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a humidity sensor
for sensing current external humidity of the outdoor unit.
[0061] Preferably, the microcomputer stores reference humidity,
compares the current humidity from the humidity sensor with the
stored reference humidity, controls the driving member according to
the comparison result, opens the louver blades within a critical
angle range, and closes the louver blades.
[0062] Preferably, the microcomputer opens the louver blades at the
critical angle when the current humidity is equal to or lower than
the reference humidity, and opens the louver blades at an angle
smaller than the critical angle when the current humidity is higher
than the reference humidity.
[0063] Preferably, the reference humidity is previously set
according to a season.
[0064] Preferably, the microcomputer compares the current humidity
with the reference humidity after receiving the operation signal
from the indoor unit, and completely closes the louver blades
before receiving the operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes: a louver
blade member including a plurality of louver blades; a driving
member for opening/closing the louver blades by operating the
louver blade member; first and second sensors for respectively
generating a first contact point signal when the louver blades are
closed, and a second contact point sensor when the louver blades
are opened; and a microcomputer for controlling the driving member,
and deciding an open/close state of the louver blades by receiving
the first contact point signal and/or the second contact point
signal from the first and/or second sensors.
[0066] Here, the microcomputer is connected to an indoor unit, and
decides the open/close state of the louver blades when receiving an
operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0067] The microcomputer decides the open/close state of the louver
blades according to reception of the first contact point
signal.
[0068] Preferably, the microcomputer operates the driving member to
open the louver blades according to the open/close state of the
louver blades.
[0069] Preferably, the microcomputer confirms whether the second
contact point signal is inputted within a standard re-contact point
time after turning off the first sensor, and decides whether the
louver blades are normally opened.
[0070] Preferably, the microcomputer notifies the operation state
of the louver blades to the indoor unit according to the decision
result.
[0071] Preferably, the first and second sensors are limit
switches.
[0072] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes: a
driving member for opening/closing the louver blades of the outdoor
unit; and a microcomputer for controlling the driving member,
generating a close operation command of the louver blades, and
transmitting the operation command to the driving member according
to a power state of an indoor unit.
[0073] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a current
transformer controlled by the microcomputer, for sensing generation
of an overload current in the driving member, and generating an
overload current generation signal, and the microcomputer generates
an open operation command of the louver blades and transmits the
operation command to the driving member according to reception of
the overload current generation signal from the current
transformer, when receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
[0074] Preferably, the microcomputer completely opens the louver
blades by the driving member, generates an overload current
generation message, transmits the message to the indoor unit, and
normally operates the outdoor unit.
[0075] Preferably, the driving member further includes a sensor
relating to the operation of the louver blades, and the
microcomputer controls the sensor, generates an open operation
command of the louver blades, and transmits the operation command
to the driving member according to a mis-operation state of the
sensor, when receiving the operation signal from the indoor
unit.
[0076] Preferably, the microcomputer completely opens the louver
blades by the driving member, generates a mis-operation message of
the sensor, transmits the message to the indoor unit, and normally
operates the outdoor unit.
[0077] Preferably, the operation command completely opens the
louver blades.
[0078] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes: a
driving member for opening/closing the louver blades of the outdoor
unit within a critical angle range; a humidity sensor for sensing
current external humidity of the outdoor unit; and a microcomputer
for storing reference humidity, comparing the current humidity from
the humidity sensor with the stored reference humidity, controlling
the driving member according to the comparison result, opening the
louver blades within the critical angle range, and closing the
louver blades.
[0079] Preferably, the microcomputer opens the louver blades at the
critical angle when the current humidity is equal to or lower than
the reference humidity, and opens the louver blades at an angle
smaller than the critical angle when the current humidity is higher
than the reference humidity.
[0080] Preferably, the reference humidity is previously set
according to a season.
[0081] Preferably, the microcomputer compares the current humidity
with the reference humidity after receiving the operation signal
from the indoor unit, and completely closes the louver blades
before receiving the operation signal from the indoor unit.
[0082] According to another aspect of the invention, in an
apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit
including a plurality of louver blades, and first and second limit
switches for generating a first contact point signal when the
louver blades are closed, and a second contact point signal when
the louver blades are opened, a method for controlling the louver
blades of the outdoor unit includes the steps of: receiving the
first contact point signal; deciding an open/close state of the
louver blades according to reception of the first contact point
signal; opening the louver blades according to the decision result;
and confirming whether the second contact point signal is inputted
within a standard re-contact point time after turning off the first
limit switch, and deciding whether the louver blades are normally
opened.
[0083] Preferably, the step for deciding the open/close state is
performed after an operation signal is inputted from an indoor
unit.
[0084] Preferably, the method further includes a step for
transmitting an operation state to the indoor unit after deciding
whether the louver blades are normally opened.
[0085] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes: a first step
for deciding a power state of an indoor unit; a second step for
closing the louver blades of the outdoor unit according to the
decision result of the power state; a third step for deciding an
overload current state of a driving member, when an operation
signal is inputted from the indoor unit; a fourth step for
completely opening the louver blades according to the decision
result of the overload current state; a fifth step for deciding a
mis-operation state of a sensor relating to the operation of the
louver blades, when the operation signal is inputted from the
indoor unit or the overload current is not generated in the driving
member; and a sixth step for completely opening the louver blades
according to the decision result of the mis-operation state.
[0086] Preferably, the second step includes a step for completely
closing the louver blades when the indoor unit is off.
[0087] Preferably, the method further includes the step of:
transmitting an overload current generation message of the driving
member to the indoor unit; and normally operating the outdoor unit
after the fourth step.
[0088] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of:
transmitting a message relating to a mis-operation of the limit
switch to the indoor unit; and normally operating the outdoor unit
after the sixth step.
[0089] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes the steps of:
calculating a close period of the louver blades; comparing the
close period with a non-use reference time; and idling the louver
blades according to the comparison result.
[0090] Preferably, the step for calculating the close period
includes the step of: storing a close time of the louver blades;
and calculating the close period of the louver blades by a
difference between the current time and the stored close time.
[0091] Preferably, the method further includes a step for updating
and storing the close time when the louver blades are opened and
closed again.
[0092] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit includes the steps of:
sensing current external humidity of the outdoor unit; comparing
the current humidity with reference humidity; and opening the
louver blades within a critical angle range and closing the louver
blades according to the comparison result.
[0093] Preferably, the control step opens the louver blades at the
critical angle when the current humidity is equal to or lower than
the reference humidity, and opens the louver blades at an angle
smaller than the critical angle when the current humidity is higher
than the reference humidity.
[0094] Preferably, the method further includes a step for resetting
the reference humidity according to a season.
[0095] Preferably, the method performs the step for comparing the
current humidity with the reference humidity after the operation
signal is inputted from the indoor unit.
[0096] Preferably, the method further includes a step for
completely closing the louver blades before the operation signal is
inputted from the indoor unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0097] FIG. 1 is a schematic structure view illustrating a
conventional louver unit;
[0098] FIG. 2 is a partially-cut perspective-sectional view
illustrating a built-in type outdoor unit for an air conditioner to
which an apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit
is applied in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0099] FIG. 3 is an exemplary view illustrating installation and
assembly of the outdoor unit of FIG. 2;
[0100] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a
partially-disassembled view illustrating a louver blade member to
which the apparatus for controlling the louver blades of the
outdoor unit is applied in accordance with the present
invention;
[0101] FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views illustrating a louver blade
member and a driving member in close and open states to which the
apparatus for controlling the louver blades of the outdoor unit is
applied in accordance with the present invention;
[0102] FIG. 6 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0103] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0104] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a calculated close period of FIG.
7;
[0105] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views illustrating different
operations of a first limit switch in close and open states of the
apparatus for controlling the louver blades of the outdoor unit in
accordance with the present invention;
[0106] FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views illustrating a louver blade
member and a driving member in close and open states on which an
apparatus for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit is
mounted in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0107] FIG. 11 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling the louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0108] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0109] FIG. 13 is an exemplary graph for calculating a re-contact
point time (T) of FIG. 12;
[0110] FIG. 14 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0111] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0112] FIG. 16 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0113] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the fourth
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0114] FIGS. 18A to 18C are exemplary views illustrating various
open angles of the louver blades.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0115] An apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an
outdoor unit in accordance with the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0116] FIGS. 2 and 3 are structure views illustrating a built-in
type outdoor unit for an air conditioner to which the apparatus and
method for controlling the louver blades of the outdoor unit is
applied in accordance with the present invention.
[0117] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, an external frame 4 is
fixedly installed on a rectangular space inner wall formed on an
outer wall 2 of a residential and/or commercial building, and an
internal frame 6 is fixedly installed at the inside of the external
frame 4. The internal and external frames 4 and 6 can be
incorporated. An inside area of the internal frame 6 is divided
into a suction area 7a and a discharge area 7b. A plurality of
louver blades 8 are installed in each area, so that air can be
sucked or discharged through gaps between the louver blades 8.
[0118] The detailed structure of the louver blades 8 will later be
explained.
[0119] On the other hand, an outdoor unit 10 (partially shown)
fixedly installed at the inside of the outer wall 2 of the building
to contact with the external frame 4 and/or internal frame 6
includes an outdoor unit casing. The outdoor unit casing opens its
one side facing the suction area 7a and the discharge area 7b of
the internal frame 6. The opened side is divided into a suction
unit 11a and a discharge unit 11b to correspond to the suction area
7a and the discharge area 7b of the internal frame 6.
[0120] A compressor 20 (not shown) and a `U` shaped air-cooled
condenser 30 are installed in the outdoor unit suction unit 11a. In
the air-cooled condenser 30, a plurality of condenser pipe lines
are formed in a zigzag shape between a plurality of condenser fins.
The structure and shape of the air-cooled condenser 30 have been
publicly known, and thus are not shown in detail. A refrigerant gas
compressed by the compressor 20 is transmitted through the pipe
lines of the condenser 30, removed its condensation heat by
externally-supplied air, and condensed.
[0121] A cooling fan 40 for supplying external air to the
air-cooled condenser 30 through the suction area 7a and discharging
heat exchanged air through the discharge area 7b is fixedly
installed in the outdoor unit discharge unit 11b. A sirocco cooling
fan is used as the cooling fan 40.
[0122] A control box 50 for controlling the operation of the
outdoor unit 10 is installed on the rear surface of the outdoor
unit. A microcomputer (not shown) for controlling an open/close
operation of the louver blades 8, and processing a signal from a
limit switch (not shown) is formed in the control box 50, which
will later be explained in detail.
[0123] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a
partially-disassembled view illustrating a louver blade member to
which the apparatus for controlling the louver blades of the
outdoor unit is applied in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the louver blade member of the
discharge area 7b includes louver blades 8 having a pair of
connecting protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d at their both ends, first
to fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73 having a plurality of openings
70a, 71a, 72a and 73a so that the connecting protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c
and 8d of the louver blades 8 formed in the same positions can pass
through the openings 70a, 71a, 72a and 73a, and rotation links 74
and 75 for connecting the connecting protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d
of the identical louver blades 8 exposed through the first to
fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73. The louver blade member of the
suction area 7a has the same constitution as the louver blade
member of the discharge area 7b. In addition, the louver blade
member can be modified to simultaneously operate the louver blades
8 of the suction area 7a and the discharge area 7b. Such
modifications can be easily made by those skilled in the field to
which the present invention pertains.
[0124] Here, the rotation links 74 and 75 include a pair of
openings 74a, 74b, 75a and 75b to externally expose the connecting
protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, and may further include a plurality
of grooves (not shown) into which the connecting protrusions 8a,
8b, 8c and 8d are inserted without being externally exposed.
[0125] In addition, a connector 82 which is a motion transforming
means for transforming a rectilinear motion of a driving source
(not shown) into a rotary motion of the rotation link is connected
to one rotation link 74. The connector 82 in which a guide groove
82a is formed, a driving source 81 in which a mover 81a is formed,
and a first limit switch 91 will later be explained.
[0126] According to another aspect of the invention, the first to
fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73 include grooves (not shown) into
which the connecting protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d of the louver
blades 8 are inserted without passing through the grooves. Here,
when a connector (not shown) which is a motion transforming means
for transforming a rectilinear motion of the driving source into a
rotary motion of the louver blades is connected to the louver
blades 8, the louver blade member performs the same operation as
the louver blade member of FIG. 4A.
[0127] FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views illustrating a louver blade
member and a driving member in close and open states to which the
apparatus for controlling the louver blades of the outdoor unit is
applied in accordance with the present invention.
[0128] FIG. 5A shows a connector 82 which is the motion
transforming means connected to one rotation link 74 of the louver
blade member of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and a driving source 81 for
allowing a mover 81a to perform a rectilinear motion which movably
contacts with (or is connected to) a guide groove 82a of the
connector 82 to push the connector 78. Hereinafter, the connector
82 and the driving source 81 are referred to as a driving
member.
[0129] The operation of the driving source 81 is started and ended
under the control of the microcomputer (refer to FIG. 6).
[0130] FIG. 5A illustrates a state where the driving source 81
inwardly shrinks the mover 81a to close the louver blades 8.
[0131] Especially, FIG. 5A shows a first limit switch 91 contacting
with one end of one of the first to fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73
(for example, first lever 70), generating a contact point signal,
and continuously transmitting the signal to the microcomputer.
[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the driving source 81 (for
example, driving motor, hydraulic cylinder, etc.) allows the mover
81a to perform a rectilinear motion in parallel to the first to
fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73 under the control of the
microcomputer, the mover 81a performing the rectilinear motion
pushes the connector 82 along the guide groove 82a, the connector
82 has its one end connected to the rotation link 74 to perform a
rotary motion, and thus the rotation link 74 performs a rotary
motion on a point (A) at a certain angle (.alpha.). The rotary
motion of the rotation link 74 results in rotation of another
rotation link 75 by the first to fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73,
and thus the first lever 70 contacting with the first limit switch
91 moves by a predetermined distance (d). The fourth lever 73 moves
in the same direction as the first lever 70, and the second and
third levers 71 and 72 move in the opposite direction to the first
lever 71. Here, the first lever 70 is separated from the first
limit switch 91, to intercept transmission of the contact point
signal to the microcomputer.
[0133] FIG. 6 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the
apparatus includes a louver blade member 100 as shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4B, a driving member 200 for opening/closing louver blades 8 of
the louver blade member 100 under the control of a microcomputer
90, a first limit switch 91 for continuously transmitting a contact
point signal when the louver blades 8 are closed, and the
microcomputer 90 for controlling the driving member 200, and
receiving the contact point signal from the first limit switch
91.
[0134] The microcomputer 90 includes a memory (not shown) for
storing a non-use reference time of the louver blades 8
automatically set or set by the user before the operation of the
outdoor unit 10. Here, the non-use reference time is an allowable
time for which the louver blades 8 can remain in a close state. If
the louver blades 8 are not operated for a long term, an open/close
operation of the louver blades is not efficiently performed due to
dust, ice or moisture. Accordingly, the non-use reference time is
set to periodically operate the louver blades 8.
[0135] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention. This method can be performed
by the apparatus of FIG. 6 and/or other apparatuses.
[0136] The method performs a step S71 for storing a close time of
the louver blades 8 by the microcomputer 90, a step S72 for
calculating a close period of the louver blades 8 by subtracting
the close time from the current time, a step S73 for deciding
whether the close period is longer than the non-use reference time,
a step S74 for idling the louver blades 8 when the close period is
longer than the non-use reference time, a step S75 for deciding
whether a new contact point signal is inputted when the close
period is equal to or shorter than the non-use reference time, the
step S72 when a new contact point signal is not inputted, a step
S76 for updating the close time according to a new contact point
signal when the contact point signal is inputted or idling of the
louver blades 8 is finished in S74, and the step S71 for re-storing
the updated close time.
[0137] In more detail, in S71, when the louver blades 8 are closed,
the louver blades 8 contact with the first limit switch 91, and the
first limit switch 91 generates a contact point signal and
transmits the signal to the microcomputer 90. Here, the
microcomputer 90 stores a contact point arrival time in the memory
as the close time.
[0138] In S72, the microcomputer 90 calculates the close period of
the louver blades 8 by subtracting the close time stored in the
memory from the current time.
[0139] In S73, the microcomputer 90 compares the close period
calculated in S72 with the non-use reference time stored in the
memory. When the close period is longer than the non-use reference
time, namely when the allowable non-use time of the louver blades 8
elapses, the routine goes to step S74. When the close period is
equal to or shorter than the non-use reference time, the routine
goes to S75.
[0140] In S74, the microcomputer 90 transmits an idling command for
repeatedly opening and closing the louver blades 8 in a certain
number to the driving member 200. The driving member 200 receiving
the idling command opens and closes the louver blades 8 of the
louver blade member 100. The routine goes to S76.
[0141] In S75, the microcomputer 90 decides whether a new contact
point signal is inputted from the first limit switch 91, namely
whether the louver blades 8 are opened and closed. When the new
contact point signal is not inputted, the routine goes to S72, and
when the new contact point signal is inputted, the routine goes to
S76.
[0142] When the routine goes to S76 from S74, the louver blades 8
are repeatedly opened and closed a few times, and finally closed,
and thus the microcomputer 90 must update the close time stored in
the memory. When the routine goes to S76 from S75, the
microcomputer 90 receiving the new contact point signal must update
the close time. When the close time has been updated, the routine
goes back to S71. Here, the microcomputer 90 stores the updated
contact point signal in the memory. Thereafter, the procedure is
repeated.
[0143] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the calculated close period of
FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, while the microcomputer 90 does not
receive the contact point signal, the louver blades 8 remain in an
open state. The microcomputer 90 continuously receives the contact
point signal for a first close time period t1.about.t2. When the
current time is t2, the first close time is longer than the non-use
reference time, and thus the microcomputer 90 idles the louver
blades 8 for an idling period t2.about.t3. Because a time t3 of
finishing the idling operation is a time of receiving a new contact
point signal, a second close time starts.
[0144] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views illustrating different
operations of the first limit switch in close and open states of
the apparatus for controlling the louver blades of the outdoor unit
in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus of FIG. 9A
includes the louver blade member of FIG. 5A, and further includes a
protrusion unit 74c formed at one end of one rotation link 74, and
a first limit switch 91 contacted by the protrusion unit 74c.
[0145] The protrusion unit 74c contacts with the first limit switch
91, and generates a first contact point signal. The first contact
point signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 90 to notify that
the louver blades 8 are closed.
[0146] When the driving member 200 is operated by the microcomputer
90 in FIG. 9B, the rotation link 74 is rotated on a point (B) at a
certain angle (.alpha.), and thus the protrusion unit 74c is
separated from the first limit switch 91, to intercept the first
contact point signal. Accordingly, the microcomputer 90 is informed
that the louver blades 8 are not closed (or opened or being
opened).
[0147] The apparatus of FIGS. 9A and 9B performs the same operation
as the apparatus of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the method of FIG.
8.
[0148] FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views illustrating a louver blade
member and a driving member in close and open states in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0149] FIG. 10A shows a first limit switch 91 contacting with one
end of one of first to fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73 (for
example, first lever 70), generating a first contact point signal,
and continuously transmitting the signal to a microcomputer, and a
second limit switch 92 contacting with the other end of the first
lever 70, generating a second contact point signal, and
continuously transmitting the signal to the microcomputer. The
detailed operation will be explained in FIG. 11.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 10B, a driving source 81 (for example,
driving motor, hydraulic cylinder, etc.) allows a mover 81a to
perform a rectilinear motion in parallel to the first to fourth
levers 70, 71, 72 and 73 under the control of the microcomputer,
the mover 81a performing the rectilinear motion pushes a connector
82 along a guide groove 82a, and the connector 82 having its one
end connected to a rotation link 74 performs a rotary motion. That
is, the rotation link 74 performs the rotary motion on a point (A)
at a certain angle (.alpha.). The rotary motion of the rotation
link 74 results in rotation of another rotation link 75 by the
first to fourth levers 70, 71, 72 and 73, and thus the first lever
70 contacting with the first limit switch 91 moves by a
predetermined distance (d) until it reaches the second limit switch
92. Here, the fourth lever 73 moves in the same direction as the
first lever 70, and the second and third levers 71 and 72 move in
the opposite direction to the first lever 71.
[0151] In addition, the first lever 70 contacts with the second
limit switch 92, and transmits the second contact point signal to
the microcomputer.
[0152] FIG. 11 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG.
11, a microcomputer 90 controls a driving member 200 to allow a
louver blade member 100 to perform an open/close operation of the
louver blades, and respectively receives first and second contact
point signals from first and second limit switches 91 and 92. In
addition, the microcomputer 90 is connected to perform
bidirectional communication with a control apparatus of an indoor
unit, for receiving a control command from the control apparatus,
and notifying an operation state of the outdoor unit to the control
apparatus.
[0153] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 12 is
performed by the apparatus of FIG. 11 and/or other apparatuses.
[0154] The method performs a step S121 for inputting an operation
signal (notifying that the indoor unit is on to start the
operation) from the indoor unit to the microcomputer 90, a step
S122 for deciding whether the louver blades 8 are opened, a step
S123 for operating the outdoor unit 10 when the louver blades 8 are
opened, a step S124 for applying power (and/or open command of
louver blades) to the driving member 200 when the louver blades 8
are not opened, a step S125 for comparing a re-contact point time
(T) with a standard re-contact point time (TO), the step S123 when
the re-contact point time (T) is equal to or shorter than the
standard re-contact point time (TO), and a step S126 for
transmitting an operation error message of the louver blades 8 to
the control apparatus of the indoor unit when the re-contact point
time (T) is longer than the standard re-contact point time
(TO).
[0155] In detail, in S121, when the microcomputer 90 receives the
operation signal from the control apparatus of the indoor unit, the
microcomputer 90 supplies power to the first and second limit
switches 91 and 92.
[0156] In S122, the microcomputer 90 respectively receives the
first and second contact point signals from the first and second
limit switches 91 and 92. Here, when the microcomputer 90 receives
the first contact point signal, the microcomputer 90 decides that
the louver blades 8 are closed, and goes to S124, and when the
microcomputer 90 receives the second contact point signal, the
microcomputer 90 goes to S123.
[0157] In S123, the microcomputer 90 initiates the operation of the
other components, such as a compressor and a cooling fan, to start
the operation of the outdoor unit 10.
[0158] In S124, the microcomputer 90 supplies power to the driving
member 200, the driving member 200 performs the open operation of
the louver blades 8, and the first lever 70 connected to the louver
blades 8 releases the first limit switch 91 and contacts with the
second limit switch 92. The second contact point signal is
generated and transmitted to the microcomputer 90. Here, power
supplied to the driving member 200 can be inverse power according
to a state and kind of driving source of the driving member
200.
[0159] In S125, the microcomputer 90 calculates the re-contact
point time (T) which is an interval between an off time of the
first limit switch (namely final arrival time of the first contact
point signal) and an arrival time of the second contact point
signal. Here, the microcomputer 90 previously stores the standard
re-contact point time (TO) (critical allowable time or maximum
allowable time taken to transform the close state of the louver
blades into the open state). When the microcomputer 90 does not
receive the second contact point signal within the standard
re-contact point time (TO) after turning off the first limit switch
91 (namely when the re-contact point time (T) is longer than the
standard re-contact point time (TO)), the microcomputer 90 decides
that a mis-operation is generated during the open operation of the
louver blades 8, and goes to S126. The procedure is performed when
the second contact point signal is inputted after the standard
re-contact point time (TO) from the off time of the first limit
switch 91, and when the second contact point signal is not inputted
(namely when the second limit switch is not on). The mis-operation
implies problems relating to the open/close operation of the louver
blades 8. For example, it may take a long time to open the louver
blades 8 due to accumulated alien substances of the louver blades
8, or the louver blades 8 may not be opened due to the same
reasons.
[0160] Conversely, when the microcomputer 90 receives the second
contact point signal within the standard re-contact point time (TO)
from the off time of the first limit switch 91 (namely, when the
re-contact point time (T) is equal to or shorter than the standard
re-contact point time (TO)), the microcomputer 90 decides that the
louver blades 8 are normally opened, and goes to S123.
[0161] In S126, the microcomputer 90 transmits the operation state
of the louver blades 8 (namely, operation error message) to the
control apparatus of the indoor unit to notify that the
mis-operation is generated during the open operation of the louver
blades 8, and thus informs the user of the operation state of the
louver blades 8.
[0162] FIG. 13 is an exemplary graph for calculating the re-contact
point time (T) of FIG. 12. As depicted in FIG. 13, the re-contact
point time (T) is an interval between an off time (t1) of the first
limit switch 91 which has continuously generated the first contact
point signal and transmitted the signal to the microcomputer 90
(namely, the first contact point signal is not inputted) and an on
time (t2) of the second limit switch 92 (namely, the second contact
point signal is generated and inputted).
[0163] FIG. 14 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 14,
the apparatus includes a louver blade member 100, a driving member
200 for opening/closing the louver blades 8 of the louver blade
member 100 under the control of a microcomputer 90, first and
second limit switches 91 and 92 for continuously transmitting first
and second contact point signals to the microcomputer 90 when the
louver blades 8 are closed and opened, and the microcomputer 90 for
controlling the driving member 200, and receiving the contact point
signals from the first and second limit switches 91 and 92. In
addition, the apparatus includes a current transformer 94 connected
to the driving member 200, for deciding whether an overload current
is generated in a driving source 81 of the driving member 200,
generating an overload current generation signal, and transmitting
the signal to the microcomputer 90. The microcomputer 90 is
connected to perform bidirectional communication with a control
apparatus of an indoor unit.
[0164] The microcomputer 90 is also connected with sensors (not
shown) relating to the operation of the louver blades including the
first and second limit switches 91 and 92, for handling
mis-operations of each sensor in the same manner as the
mis-operations of the first and second limit switches 91 and
92.
[0165] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the third
embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 15 is
performed by the apparatus of FIG. 14, or other apparatuses.
[0166] The method performs a step S151 for deciding whether an
operation signal is inputted from the indoor unit, a step S152 for
closing the louver blades 8 when the operation signal is not
inputted, a step S153 for deciding whether the overload current
generation signal is inputted from the current transformer 94 when
the operation signal is inputted, a step S154 for deciding whether
a mis-operation is generated in the first and/or second limit
switches 91 and 92 when the overload current generation signal is
not inputted, a step S155 for opening the louver blades 8 when the
overload current generation signal is inputted or when the
mis-operation is generated in the first and/or second limit
switches 91 and 92, a step S156 for receiving the overload current
generation signal from the current transformer 94, or transmitting
a mis-operation message of the first and/or second limit switches
91 and 92 to the indoor unit, and a step S157 for normally
operating the outdoor unit when the mis-operation is not generated
in the first and/or second limit switches 91 and 92 or after the
message is transmitted.
[0167] In detail, in S151, the microcomputer 90 decides whether the
operation signal is inputted from the indoor unit. When the
microcomputer 90 does not receive the operation signal from the
indoor unit, the outdoor unit 10 needs not to be operated. In S152,
the microcomputer 90 transmits an operation command of completely
closing the louver blades 8 to the driving member 200 to protect
the components of the outdoor unit 10 (compressor, condenser,
cooling fan, etc.). The driving member 200 controls the louver
blade member 100 to completely close the louver blades 8.
[0168] In S153, when the microcomputer 90 receives the operation
signal from the indoor unit, the microcomputer 90 decides whether
the overload current generation signal notifying overload of the
driving member is inputted from the current transformer 94
connected to the driving member 200. When receiving the overload
current generation signal from the current transformer 94, the
microcomputer 90 transmits an operation command of completely
opening the louver blades 8 to the driving member 200 to perform
the whole operation of the outdoor unit 10. The driving member 200
completely opens the louver blades 8 (S155).
[0169] In S154, when the microcomputer 90 does not receive the
overload current generation signal from the current transformer 94,
the microcomputer 90 decides whether the mis-operation is
generated, for example, in the first and/or second limit switches
91 and 92 among the sensors relating to the operation of the louver
blades 8 of the outdoor unit 10. When the mis-operation is
generated in the first and/or second limit switches 91 and 92, the
microcomputer 90 transmits an operation command of completely
opening the louver blades 8 to the driving member 200 to perform
the whole operation of the outdoor unit 10. The driving member 200
completely opens the louver blades 8.
[0170] In S155, the microcomputer 90 completely opens the louver
blades 8. In S156, when the microcomputer 90 receives the overload
current generation signal from the current transformer 94 and opens
the louver blades 8 in S155, the microcomputer 90 transmits an
overload current generation message to the indoor unit, and when
the microcomputer 90 decides that the mis-operation is generated in
the first and/or second limit switches 91 and 92 and opens the
louver blades 8 in S155, the microcomputer 90 transmits a
mis-operation message to the indoor unit.
[0171] In S157, the microcomputer 90 normally operates the outdoor
unit 10. That is, the microcomputer 90 completely opens the louver
blades 8, and normally operates the other components of the outdoor
unit 10 to prevent errors due to the driving member 200 for driving
the louver blades 8 and the sensors relating to the operation of
the louver blades 8.
[0172] FIG. 16 is a structure view illustrating an apparatus for
controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit in accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16,
the apparatus includes a louver blade member 100 for opening and
closing suction and discharge units 11a and 11b of the outdoor
unit, a driving member 200 for opening and closing the louver blade
member 100 within a certain critical angle range, a humidity sensor
120 installed inside or outside the outdoor unit 10, for measuring
external humidity of the outdoor unit 10, and a microcomputer 90
for receiving the current humidity from the humidity sensor 120,
and allowing the driving member 200 to operate the louver blade
member 100 according to the current humidity to open the louver
blades 8 at a certain angle and close the louver blades 8.
[0173] The microcomputer 90 compares the current humidity inputted
from the humidity sensor 120 with reference humidity stored in an
internal memory (not shown). When the current humidity is higher
than the reference humidity, the microcomputer 90 regards a current
weather as a rainy or very cloudy day, and when the current
humidity is equal to or lower than the reference humidity, the
microcomputer 90 regards the current weather as a sunny or slightly
cloudy day.
[0174] In addition, the microcomputer 90 is connected to perform
bidirectional communication with an indoor unit (not shown).
[0175] The reference humidity stored in the memory of the
microcomputer 90 is set to have a different value according to a
season. For more accurate decision, different rainy weather
standards are used in each season.
[0176] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the
louver blades of the outdoor unit in accordance with the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 17 is
performed by the apparatus of FIG. 16, or other apparatuses
performing similar operations.
[0177] The method performs a step S171 for deciding whether an
operation signal is inputted from the indoor unit, a step S172 for
allowing the driving member 200 to close the louver blade member
100 when the operation signal is not inputted from the indoor unit,
a step S173 for receiving the current humidity measured by the
humidity sensor 120 when the operation signal is inputted from the
indoor unit, a step S174 for comparing the current humidity with
the reference humidity, a step S175 for allowing the driving member
200 to open the louver blades 8 at a critical angle when the
current humidity is equal to or lower than the reference humidity,
and a step S176 for allowing the driving member 200 to open the
louver blades 8 at an angle smaller than the critical angle when
the current humidity is higher than the reference humidity.
[0178] In detail, in S171, the microcomputer 90 decides whether the
operation signal is inputted from the indoor unit. The operation
signal may be a power on signal from the indoor unit.
[0179] In S173, the microcomputer 90 receives the current humidity
from the humidity sensor 120, and reads the reference humidity of
the season of the current date from the memory before going to
S174.
[0180] In S174, the microcomputer 90 compares the reference
humidity of the current season read from the memory with the
current humidity. When the current humidity is equal to or lower
than the reference humidity, the microcomputer 90 regards the
current weather as a sunny day, and allows the driving member 200
to open the louver blades 8 at a critical angle (.alpha.) (for
example 90.degree.) (S175). When the current humidity is higher
than the reference humidity, the microcomputer 90 regards the
current weather as a rainy day, and allows the driving member 200
to open the louver blades 8 at an angle smaller than the critical
angle (.alpha.) (for example 45.degree.) (S176).
[0181] FIGS. 18A to 18C are exemplary views illustrating various
open angles of the louver blades.
[0182] As shown in FIG. 18A, the microcomputer 90 performs S175 of
FIG. 17, and opens the louver blades 8 at a critical angle
(.alpha.), so that the louver blades 8 of the suction and discharge
units 11a and 11b are not operated as a fan resistance.
[0183] As illustrated in FIG. 18B, the microcomputer 90 performs
S176 of FIG. 17, and opens the louver blades 8 at a critical angle
(.alpha.), to prevent rain or snow being inputted through gaps
between the louver blades 8 of the suction and discharge units 11a
and 11b, and to minimize a fan resistance by the louver blades
8.
[0184] As depicted in FIG. 18C, the microcomputer 90 performs S172
of FIG. 17, and completely closes the louver blades 8. Accordingly,
while the outdoor unit 10 is not used, alien substances are not
inputted through the gaps between the louver blades 8.
[0185] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described, it is understood that the present invention
should not be limited to these preferred embodiments but various
changes and modifications can be made by one skilled in the art
within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *